Ngata Explains His Lack of Explosion

**lance1086** · 08-24-2006, 09:21 AM

“I was focused too much on what the play was and not enough on my technique. I was kind of thinking about my knee a little bit and I wasn’t exploding off the ball.

“I was catching the block instead of firing into my man. Now I have a game underneath my pads, I’m more comfortable and I can really explode and get upfield.”

Personally I think that's good news. Alot of people were worried, that he just didn't have an explosion altogether. It's good to hear that his lack up penetration, was basically a result of him thinking too much & being tentative on his knee (which is what some suspected in the 1st place).

Still, I'd like to see him get another week off. I don't think that will happen. But let's hope that we some solid improvement from him this week. I'm still excited to see what Ngata can do for our defense.

**Losac** · 08-24-2006, 09:27 AM

Still, I'd like to see him get another week off.

I disagree. Ngata needs reps with the first team in a live game situation. He said how he feels more confident now that he's had a game under his belt, so another game should just help him along further.

**Bez513** · 08-24-2006, 09:31 AM

If the big guy is healed get him reps.

**lance1086** · 08-24-2006, 09:36 AM

I disagree. Ngata needs reps with the first team in a live game situation. He said how he feels more confident now that he's had a game under his belt, so another game should just help him along further.

Sure, but Ngata's quote about his knee not being ready last week, is why I said that. If you don't give that knee time to heal, a "nothing" injury could turn into one that nags him for a while.

**Mobtown** · 08-24-2006, 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by losac

I disagree. Ngata needs reps with the first team in a live game situation. He said how he feels more confident now that he's had a game under his belt, so another game should just help him along further.

I totally agree. He needs reps, and as many as possible.

**Losac** · 08-24-2006, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by lance1086

Sure, but Ngata's quote about his knee not being ready last week, is why I said that. If you don't give that knee time to heal, a "nothing" injury could turn into one that nags him for a while.

I think it's more of a psychological problem. He's thinking about the knee and is being tentative because he doesn't want to hurt it again. The doctors cleared him to play and he was quoted as saying there wasn't any soreness. I think the only way to get over that is to get reps in live game action.

**Sports Steve** · 08-24-2006, 09:41 AM

Anyone who follows football knows the pro game is way faster then the college game. I think once Ngata gets the proper amount of reps he'll catch up to the pro game and be fine. He's the big guy this team needs in the middle to get the defense back where it needs to be to win the division.

**RavenScallywag** · 08-24-2006, 09:57 AM

if he has another week off, he's just going to focus more and more on that knee, and not get back to being comfortable and explosive. He needs the game reps.

**RavensDomination** · 08-24-2006, 09:59 AM

I know I wasn't worried over one preseason game performance. I don't put much stock into them personally.

**AZRAVEN** · 08-24-2006, 10:39 AM

I never worry much about rookie performance until midway through the season. To state the obvious, it's a big jump from major college to the pros so I always expect them to be lost for awhile.

**bassgtrst** · 08-24-2006, 10:45 AM

Nevermind.

**PurpleRulz** · 08-24-2006, 11:57 AM

I figured that he was thinking about his knee. I just think that the speed of the game caught him off guard. Ngata will be fine.

**52decleetzu** · 08-24-2006, 12:53 PM

I think our D line rotation is going to be great this year,so Ngata will have time to work himself into the NFL game.I was a little concerned,but when you take into account the knee and first ever NFL game I can see why he struggled.

**RavenTD** · 08-24-2006, 02:24 PM

Ngata going up against our O'line probably thought that he could bring the same collapse ability.But going up against the Iggle O'line must have been a shock and a rude awakening to what goes down in the NFL trenches.

**RAVENOUS52** · 08-24-2006, 04:41 PM

I think we'll be saying great things about Ngata for years to come based on what I've seen of him in clips...A healthy, hungry Ngata = Good news for the entire defense...

Less time for QBs to throw, more freedom for Ray & Company to roam, etc...

**ChixDigLongBall** · 08-24-2006, 08:58 PM

I think he'll be fine and expect a very solid peformance out of him this week. He played really well in the scrimmage and provided great burst, so he definitely has it in him.

He needs to just go ahead and play football with aggression. Take a guard and drive him backwards. I expect to see that tomorrow.

**GreenWave52** · 08-25-2006, 10:10 AM

Not to toot my own horn too much, but I knew his knee was still bothering him. As I said in another thread

"I saw Ngata against the Redskins in person and he didn't look like the same player against the Eagles. Both teams have good lines but what was missing was Ngata's quickness. My conclusion is that he knee is still nagging him."

He isn't 100% healthy, and he probably won't be this year. Remember there is a big difference between 100% and "cleared to play".